Every Gift - Past, Present, & Future - Matters!

Your gifts to Southwestern impact the lives of students today and tomorrow.

Past Donor Impact

Historically, Southwestern University has relied on the support of people with an appreciation for the impact of higher education. In fact, the very existence of the University was only possible through the efforts of Francis Asbury Mood and others to secure the funds needed to establish a university in Georgetown, Texas.  There have been many occasions since that time when donors have made a tremendous impact on Southwestern and its students.

• 1937: The Weiss Grant. Helping Southwestern leave debt behind and establish a productive endowment.
• 1976-1995: The Brown Challenge. A 20-year challenge grant to Southwestern University resulting in increased alumni participation and campus growth.  
• More details.

Donor Impact Today

In order to meet the annual needs of our students, Southwestern must raise more than $1.8 million each year, on top of what is generated by the endowment and tuition.  These additional funds are made possible by gifts from you—alumni, parents and friends of the University.

Gifts today also help the University achieve long-term goals—like improving campus science facilities—that are part of Thinking Ahead: The Southwestern Campaign, which has hit the $_______ mark and continues to move forward.  In addition, gifts from individuals assist in securing larger grants and corporate gifts by demonstrating a high level of support and engagement.

Every Gift Matters! Like casting a vote, there is power in the combined effect of individual actions.  In 2010, gifts of $1-$99 totaled more than $50,000 to Southwestern University. 

Student need is outpacing scholarship support. Your gift will help Southwestern meet the increasing student need.

 

 

As stated in Shaping Our Future: The Strategic Plan for Southwestern University 2010-2020, renovation of Fondren-Jones Science Hall is one of the University’s top fundraising priorities. Learn more about this project here.

 

Think giving is just an alumni thing? Think again!

•  The Class of 2011 left a legacy by way of the largest senior gift in the history of Southwestern.

• Student Foundation and Student Development Council team up annually to raise funds for the Pirate Bike Program.
• The first annual Philanthropy Week offered students a way to learn about donor impact at Southwestern.

Donor Impact Tomorrow: Where your support can take us

Southwestern students need your help today, and tomorrow.  The future of Southwestern and its ability to support student needs depends on more and more alumni and friends who make a habit of giving.  It is only through continued and increased support that our goals can be achieved.  Below are a few examples of where your support can take us.

 

In the mid-1990s almost 35 percent of Southwestern alumni made gifts to the University.  In 2010, only 25 percent made gifts.  That’s a difference of approximately 1,000 people.  If each of those individuals gave just $50 or $100, imagine the difference the additional funds could make in the lives of students.

 

 

GOLD (Graduates of the Last Decade) Alumni

 

You may be surprised to know that more than 25 percent of Southwestern alumni have graduated in the past 10 years.  With somewhat larger classes now entering the University, that percentage is certain to grow in the coming years.  Donations from GOLD alumni will be crucial in ensuring a positive Southwestern Experience for the next generation of students.

 

 

As stated in Shaping Our Future, the University plans to “ensure the financial vitality and overall sustainability of the institution by building an ever-stronger financial foundation that will increase our ability to invest in our academic enterprise, undergird our commitments, and reach for our aspirations.” Read more here.